This is the moment two Colombian elite commandos plunge to their deaths while holding onto a rope with the national flag flying from it from below a helicopter.
The incident took place during the closing ceremony for the 2019 Feria de las Flores (Festival of the Flowers) event in the city of Medellin in the north-western Colombian department of Antioquia.
Video Credit: CEN/@jhontabares
In the footage, a helicopter is seen flying the Colombian flag as a chopper behind displays the flag of Antioquia.
As two commandos hold onto the Colombian flag, the rope appears to come undone and the servicemen plummet to the ground.
According to Colombian Air Force, the victims have been identified as commandos Jesus Mosquera and Sebastian Gamboa Ricaurte who were based in Rionegro in Antioquia.
The emergency services were sent to the scene while the local airport was reportedly closed as an investigation got underway.
An Air Force spokesperson said that they regretted the incident and sent their condolences to the servicemen’s families.
The statement added: “The reasons behind this painful accident are still being investigated by the authorities.”
Defence Minister Guillermo Botero announced the suspension of air shows featuring military personnel as they look into what caused the commandos to fall from the helicopter.
Video Credit: CEN/@DiegoVidal1_
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Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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